Method and apparatus for facilitating machine-type communication

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus are provided to facilitate communications with MTC devices. An apparatus may include processing circuitry configured at least to receive a broadcasted triggering message and to determine whether the triggering message identifies a machine-type communication (MTC) gateway or another device within a capillary network supported by the MTC gateway. The processing circuitry may cause at least a portion of the triggering message to be provided to a device within the capillary network in an instance in which the triggering message identifies the device within the capillary network. The processing circuitry may also be configured to determine an action requested by the triggering message in an instance in which the triggering message identifies the MTC gateway.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to methods andapparatus for facilitating machine-type communications (MTC) and, moreparticularly, to methods and apparatus for facilitating communicationsbetween a network and an MTC device in an offline or other detachedmode.

BACKGROUND

Machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, also referred to asmachine-type communications (MTC), is a type of communication that isanticipated to expand, potentially rapidly, in the near future. WithMTC, machines may locally communicate directly with one another and, assuch, may be employed for various applications including for smarthomes, smart metering, fleet management, remote healthcare, accessnetwork operation management, etc.

In one MTC topology, an MTC gateway is provided that is configured tocommunicate with a network, such as a cellular network. The MTC gatewaymay also support a capillary network that includes one or more other MTCdevices, also known as capillary network devices, that are configuredcommunicate with the MTC gateway, but need not necessarily be configuredto communicate with the network. The capillary network devices may beembodied in a number of different forms including, for example, anactuator, a display, a memory device or the like.

In order to reduce the signaling load upon the network, it may bedesirable in some instances to reduce the amount of regular networksignaling that is conducted with an MTC gateway or other capillarynetwork device. Therefore, an MTC device, such as MTC gateway or anothercapillary network device, may be taken offline so as to be in an offlinestate or offline mode. In an offline mode, the MTC device is not in atypical idle mode, but is in a more detached mode in which theconventional location update signaling and conventional paging are notperformed. However, in the offline mode, an MTC device may listen fortrigger indications via, for example, a broadcast or paging channelduring at least certain periods of time. In this regard, an MTC devicemay be configured to wake up in accordance with a predefined schedule inorder to listen for and respond to trigger indications. By placing theMTC device in an offline mode in an instance in which the MTC device isnot actively engaged in communications, however, the quantity ofconventional signaling is reduced, thereby conserving network resources.

A triggering indication may disadvantageously require that abidirectional connection be established between the MTC device, such asan MTC gateway, and the source of the triggering indication, such as anMTC server. In this regard, a bidirectional connection may be requiredin order to conduct the handshaking that may be required in order toauthenticate the triggering indication. Unfortunately, the establishmentof a bidirectional connection and the signaling conducted via thebidirectional connection may disadvantageously increase the networksignaling.

Additionally, the addressing of the MTC gateways and the capillarynetwork devices is hierarchical in that the addressing of an MTC gatewayis separate and different than that of a capillary network device. Whilean MTC server may communicate, via a network such as a cellular network,with an MTC gateway, the MTC server may not generally communicatedirectly with a capillary node device. Instead, a message intended forthe capillary network device is generally directed to the MTC gatewaythat supports the capillary network within which the capillary networkdevice operates. The body of the message received by the MTC gateway mayidentify the capillary network device and may include the actual messagethat is intended for delivery to the capillary network device.

In some instances, however, the MTC devices may change roles such that acapillary network device may begin to serve as an MTC gateway, an MTCgateway may begin to serve as a capillary network device or, stillfurther, either a capillary network device or an MTC gateway may beginto function as both a capillary network device and an MTC gateway.Because a network, such as a cellular network, is configured tospecifically direct communications to an MTC gateway, but to notdirectly communicate with the other capillary network devices andfurther since the addressing associated with MTC gateways and thecapillary network devices is different from one another, the network,such as a broadcast center, and/or the MTC server must be advised in aninstance in which the MTC devices change roles to insure that subsequentcommunications are properly addressed and properly directed to a currentMTC gateway. For example, the MTC server and a broadcast center may needto be informed of the change in roles of the MTC devices so that thenetwork may thereafter properly address and construct messages intendedfor the MTC devices that are presently serving as MTC gateways. Thisupdating and reconfiguration of an MTC server, a broadcast center orother network entity may disadvantageously increase the networksignaling as well as the processing that is required of the network.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A method and apparatus are therefore provided according to exampleembodiments of the present invention in order to facilitatecommunications with MTC devices in a manner that is sensitive to networksignaling and, in some embodiments, that conserves network signaling.For example, the apparatus and method of one embodiment may permit eachMTC device, including each MTC gateway and each capillary networkdevice, to be individually addressed which may, in turn, avoid instancesin which an MTC server, a broadcast center or the like would have to beupdated or otherwise reconfigured as the roles of the MTC devices changeover time. Further, an apparatus and method according to one embodimentmay reduce the size of the messages that are provided to the MTC devicesand may reduce or eliminate the need for the establishment of abidirectional communications link in order to authenticate the messages,thereby further conserving network signaling resources.

In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes processingcircuitry configured at least to receive a broadcasted triggeringmessage and to determine whether the triggering message identifies amachine-type communication (MTC) gateway or another device within acapillary network supported by the MTC gateway. The processing circuitryof this embodiment is also configured to cause at least a portion of thetriggering message to be provided to a device within the capillarynetwork in an instance in which the triggering message identifies thedevice within the capillary network. For example, the processingcircuitry may be configured to cause at least a portion of thetriggering message to be provided to a device within the capillarynetwork by performing protocol and address mapping to protocols andaddresses of the capillary network. The processing circuitry of thisembodiment is also configured to determine an action requested by thetriggering message in an instance in which the triggering messageidentifies the MTC gateway.

The processing circuitry of one embodiment is also configured toauthenticate the triggering message based upon an authentication fieldof the triggering message. The processing circuitry may also beconfigured to determine whether the triggering message identifies an MTCgateway or another capillary network device based upon an abbreviateddevice identity included within the triggering message. The abbreviateddevice identity of this embodiment uniquely identifies the MTC gatewayor another capillary network device within a geographic area in whichthe MTC gateway operates, but not outside of the geographic area.

The processing circuitry of one embodiment is also configured todetermine whether an indication of a failure to receive is received fromanother MTC gateway in an instance in which the triggering messageidentifies the another MTC gateway. In this embodiment, the processingcircuitry may also be configured to cause at least a portion of thetriggering message to be provided to the another MTC gateway in aninstance in which the indication of a failure to receive is determinedto have been received. The processing circuitry may also be configuredto direct a receiver to wake up in accordance with a predefined schedulein order to receive the broadcasted triggering message.

In another embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving abroadcasted triggering message and determining, with processingcircuitry, whether the triggering message identifies a machine-typecommunication (MTC) gateway or another device within a capillary networksupported by the MTC gateway. The method of this embodiment also causesat least a portion of the triggering message to be provided to a devicewithin the capillary network in an instance in which the triggeringmessage identifies the device within the capillary network. For example,causing at least a portion of the triggering message to be provided to adevice within the capillary network may include performing protocol andaddress mapping to protocols and addresses of the capillary network. Themethod of this embodiment also includes determining an action requestedby the triggering message in an instance in which the triggering messageidentifies the MTC gateway.

The method may also authenticate the triggering message based upon anauthentication field of the triggering message. The method of oneembodiment may determine whether the triggering message identifies anMTC gateway or another capillary network device by determining whetherthe triggering message identifies an MTC gateway or another capillarynetwork device based upon an abbreviated device identity included withthe triggering message. In this regard, the abbreviated device identityuniquely identifies the MTC gateway or another capillary network devicewithin the geographic area in which the MTC gateway operates, but notoutside of the geographic area.

The method of one embodiment also determines whether an indication of afailure to receive is received from another MTC gateway in an instancein which the triggering message identifies the another MTC gateway. Inthis embodiment, the message may also cause at least a portion of thetriggering message to be provided to the another MTC gateway in aninstance in which the indication of a failure to receive is determinedto have been received. The method of one embodiment may also direct areceiver to wake up in accordance with a predefined schedule in order toreceive a broadcasted triggering message.

In a further embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includesprocessing circuitry configured at least to receive a geographicaltarget area message providing a first device identity, a target area andwake up information. The target area may correspond to respectivelocations of each machine-type communication (MTC) gateway that supportsa respective capillary network. The processing circuitry of thisembodiment is also configured to subsequently receive a triggerinformation message having the first device identity, an abbreviateddevice identity that is shorter than the first device identity, and arequested action. The processing circuitry of this embodiment is alsoconfigured to cause a triggering message to be broadcast within thetarget area in accordance with the wake up information. The triggeringmessage may include the abbreviated device identity and the requestedaction.

The processing circuitry of one embodiment is further configured todetermine one or more base stations that communicate within the targetarea such that the processing circuitry may be configured to cause atriggering message to be broadcast by causing the one or more basestations to broadcast the triggering message within the target area. Theprocessing circuitry of one embodiment is also configured to remove thefirst device identity from the trigger information message prior tocausing the triggering message to be broadcast without the first deviceidentity.

The processing circuitry of one embodiment is also configured to receivethe trigger information message by receiving the trigger informationmessage that also has an authentication field. In this embodiment, theprocessing circuitry may also be configured to cause the triggeringmessage to be broadcast by causing the triggering message to bebroadcast that also includes the authentication field. The first deviceidentity and the abbreviated device identity may be configured toidentify any one of an MTC gateway or another device within thecapillary network supported by the MTC gateway.

In yet another embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includesprocessing circuitry configured at least to cause a geographical targetarea message to be provided that includes a first device identity, atarget area and wake up information. In this embodiment, the target areamay correspond to respective locations of each machine-typecommunication (MTC) gateway that supports a respective capillarynetwork. The processing circuitry of this embodiment is also configuredto subsequently cause a trigger information message to be provided thatincludes first device identity, an abbreviated device identity that isshorter than the first device identity and a requested action.

The processing circuitry of one embodiment may be configured to causethe trigger information message to be provided by causing the triggerinformation message to be provided that also includes an authenticationfield. In one embodiment, the first device identity and the abbreviateddevice identity are configured to identify any one of an MTC gateway oranother device within a capillary network supported by the MTC gateway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general terms,reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is one example of a communication system according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus from the perspective of an MTCserver, a broadcast center or a base station in accordance with anexample embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating operations performed by anapparatus, such as an MTC server, in accordance with an exampleembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating operations performed by anapparatus, such as a broadcast center, in accordance with an exampleembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an apparatus from the perspective of an MTCgateway in accordance with an example embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating operations performed by anapparatus, such as an MTC gateway, in accordance with an exampleembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

A method and apparatus are provided for facilitating networkcommunications with an MTC device, such as an MTC device in an offlineor other detached mode. In this regard, the network communications withMTC devices may be supported by any of a variety of different systems,including, for example, the system of FIG. 1 in which a method,apparatus and computer program product of an example embodiment of thepresent invention may be implemented. As shown in FIG. 1, a system inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present invention mayinclude a capillary network 10 including at least one MTC gateway 12that is in communication with a network 14. The network may be any ofvarious cellular or mobile networks or public land mobile networks(PLMNs) configured in accordance with any of a number of differentprotocols including long-term evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A),wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), CDMA 2000, globalsystem for mobile communications (GSM), general packet radio service(GPRS) and the like. The network may include a collection of variousdifferent nodes, devices or functions that may be in communication witheach other via corresponding wired and/or wireless interfaces. As such,the illustration of FIG. 1 should be understood to be an example of abroad view of certain elements of a system and not an all-inclusive ordetailed view of the system or the network.

As shown in FIG. 1, however, the system may include an MTC server 16.The MTC server may be any of various platforms such as a dedicatedserver, backend server, or server bank associated with a particularinformation source, function or service. As described below, the MTCserver is designed to configure a broadcast center 18 for subsequentcommunications with the MTC devices, such as the MTC gateway 12 andother capillary network devices 20. Additionally, the MTC server isconfigured to provide, transmit or otherwise act as a source of messagesto the MTC devices. In one embodiment in which the network 14 is acellular network, such as a 3GPP network, the MTC server may be outsideof the cellular network, even though the MTC server may be within thedomain of the cellular operator.

The network 14 may include a broadcast center 18 configured to deliverbroadcast messages that are to be transmitted over the network, such asa cellular network. In a 3GPP network, the cell broadcast center and/orthe operation and maintenance center may serve as a broadcast center fordelivering broadcast information over the network. In addition to thebroadcast center, the network may include a plurality of base stations22, such as node Bs, evolved node Bs (eNBs), or other base stations oraccess points (hereinafter generically referenced as “base stations”).As shown in FIG. 1, the base stations are in communication with thebroadcast center for broadcasting the information provided by thebroadcast center in proximity to the respective base stations.

As also shown in FIG. 1, a capillary network 10 including at least oneMTC gateway 12 is in communication with the network 14, such as by beingin communication with one or more of the base stations 22. A capillarynetwork includes one or more MTC devices that are configured tocommunicate directly with one another via MTC. A capillary network mayinclude at least one MTC device that functions as an MTC gateway forcommunicating with the network, such as one or more of the basestations. The capillary network may also include one or more capillarynetwork devices 20 that are configured to communicate with one anotherand with the MTC gateway via MTC, but are not configured to directlycommunicate with the network. The capillary network devices may beembodied in a number of different forms including, for example, anactuator, a sensor, a display, a memory device or the like. Although notshown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the capillary network may include twoor more MTC gateways that are each configured to communicate with thenetwork as well as the other capillary network devices. Also, in someembodiments, one or more of the MTC devices may function concurrently asboth an MTC gateway and a capillary network device.

In order to reduce the signaling required to be supported by the network14 for the benefit of the MTC devices, the MTC devices may be configuredto go offline or otherwise enter a detached mode in instances in whichthe MTC devices are not actively communicating. By entering an offlineor other detached mode, the MTC devices do not require or otherwiseparticipate in the conventional location update signaling, conventionalpaging, etc. However, an MTC gateway 12 is configured to wake up and tomonitor the broadcast messages for messages directed to the MTC gatewayor to the other capillary network devices 20. As such, the network, suchas the MTC server 16, the broadcast center 18 or the like maycommunicate with an MTC gateway and, in turn, the other capillarynetwork devices, albeit in a manner that conserves the signalingbandwidth of the network.

The MTC server 16, broadcast center 18 or base stations 22 may beconfigured in various manners, but, in one embodiment, may be embodiedas or otherwise include an apparatus 30 as generically represented bythe block diagram of FIG. 2. While the apparatus may be employed, forexample, by an MTC server, broadcast center, a base station or the like,it should be noted that the components, devices or elements describedbelow may not be mandatory and thus some may be amended in certainembodiments. Additionally, some embodiments may include further ordifferent components, devices or elements beyond those shown anddescribed herein.

As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus 30 may include or otherwise be incommunication with processing circuitry 32 that is configurable toperform actions in accordance with example embodiments of the MTC server16, broadcast center 18 or base stations 22 described herein. Theprocessing circuitry may be configured to perform data processing,application execution and/or other processing and management servicesaccording to an example embodiment of the present invention. In someembodiments, the apparatus or the processing circuitry may be embodiedas a chip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus or the processingcircuitry may comprise one or more physical packages (e.g., chips)including materials, components and/or wires on a structural assembly(e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physicalstrength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electricalinteraction for component circuitry included thereon. The apparatus orthe processing circuitry may therefore, in some cases, be configured toimplement an embodiment of the present invention on a single chip or asa single “system on a chip.” As such, in some cases, a chip or chipsetmay constitute means for performing one or more operations for providingthe functionalities described herein.

In an example embodiment, the processing circuitry 32 may include aprocessor 34 and memory 36 that may be in communication with orotherwise control a device interface 38. As such, the processingcircuitry may be embodied as a circuit chip (e.g., an integrated circuitchip) configured (e.g., with hardware, software or a combination ofhardware and software) to perform operations described herein. However,in some embodiments taken in the context of a

MTC server, broadcast center or base station, the processing circuitrymay be embodied as a portion of the MTC server, broadcast center or basestation.

The device interface 38 may include one or more interface mechanisms forenabling communication with other devices and/or networks. In somecases, the device interface may be any means such as a device orcircuitry embodied in either hardware, or a combination of hardware andsoftware that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to thenetwork 14 and/or any other device or module in communication with theprocessing circuitry 32. In this regard, the device interface mayinclude, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supportinghardware and/or software for enabling communications with a wirelesscommunication network and/or a communication modem or otherhardware/software for supporting communication via cable, digitalsubscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet or othermethods.

In an example embodiment, the memory 36 may include one or morenon-transitory memory devices such as, for example, volatile and/ornon-volatile memory that may be either fixed or removable. The memorymay be configured to store information, data, applications, instructionsor the like for enabling the apparatus 30 to carry out various functionsin accordance with example embodiments of the present invention. Forexample, the memory could be configured to buffer input data forprocessing by the processor 34. Additionally or alternatively, thememory could be configured to store instructions for execution by theprocessor. As yet another alternative, the memory may include one of aplurality of databases that may store a variety of files, contents ordata sets. Among the contents of the memory, applications may be storedfor execution by the processor in order to carry out the functionalityassociated with each respective application. In some cases, the memorymay be in communication with the processor via a bus for passinginformation among components of the apparatus.

The processor 34 may be embodied in a number of different ways. Forexample, the processor may be embodied as various processing means suchas one or more of a microprocessor or other processing element, acoprocessor, a controller or various other computing or processingdevices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC(application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmablegate array), or the like. In an example embodiment, the processor may beconfigured to execute instructions stored in the memory 36 or otherwiseaccessible to the processor. As such, whether configured by hardware orby a combination of hardware and software, the processor may representan entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry—in the form ofprocessing circuitry 32) capable of performing operations according toembodiments of the present invention while configured accordingly. Thus,for example, when the processor is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or thelike, the processor may be specifically configured hardware forconducting the operations described herein. Alternatively, as anotherexample, when the processor is embodied as an executor of softwareinstructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processorto perform the operations described herein.

As described below, the MTC server 16 is generally configured to providemessages directed to a MTC device that requests that the MTC deviceperforms a particular action. Prior to providing the messages directedto the MTC device requesting the performance of a particular action, theMTC server may communicate with the broadcast center 18 so as to providethe broadcast center with information regarding the respective MTCdevice. Thereafter, when the MTC server provides the message directed tothe MTC device, the broadcast center may be configured to appropriatelydeliver the message to the MTC device via the network 14, such as viaone or more base stations 22, based upon the information previouslyprovided by the MTC server regarding the respective MTC device.

As shown in block 40 of FIG. 3 and in FIG. 1, for example, the MTCserver 16 may include means, such as the processing circuitry 32,processor 34, device interface 38 or the like, for causing ageographical target area message 200 to be provided to the broadcastcenter 18. The geographical target area message may include a firstdevice identity, a target area and wake up information. The first deviceidentity may be the full device identity of a respective MTC device. Inthis regard, the first device identity uniquely identifies the MTCdevice relative to all other MTC devices, such as all other MTC devicesserved by the network 14. The target area corresponds to the locationsof all possible serving MTC gateways 12 for the MTC device identified bythe first device identity. Thus, each MTC device that may serve as anMTC gateway for the capillary network 10 of which the respective MTCdevice identified by the full device identity is associated or is amember may be identified as a possible serving MTC gateway. In thisregard, the MTC server may be configured to obtain the identity of allpossible serving MTC gateways during an initial pairing of the MTCgateways to a capillary network and may correspondingly obtain thelocations of the possible serving MTC gateways. This pairing of the MTCgateways to a capillary network may then be repeated over the course oftime. As to the wake up information, the MTC server may provide thebroadcast center with wake up information that identifies the times atwhich the MTC gateways for the capillary network that supports the MTCdevice that is identified by the first device identity wake up as wellas the window of time during which the MTC gateways will remain awakefor receiving broadcast messages directed thereto or to other capillarynetwork devices. The timing associated with the wake up information maybe provided in various manners including as a common clock reference orotherwise, such as based upon the system frame number, a globalpositioning system (GPS) reference signal or the like.

As shown in block 50 of FIG. 4 which illustrates the operationsperformed by the broadcast center 18, the broadcast center 18 includesmeans, such as the processing circuitry 32, the processor 34, the deviceinterface 38 or the like, for receiving the geographical target areamessage 200 from the MTC server 16. As described above, the geographicaltarget area message generally includes the first device identity, thetarget area and the wake up information. The broadcast center may storethe geographical target area message and/or may separately store theinformation provided by the different fields of the geographical targetarea message. Based upon the target area, the broadcast center may alsoinclude means, such as the processing circuitry, the processor or thelike, for determining one or more base stations 22 that are configuredto communicate within the target area. See block 52. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1, for example, the broadcast center may determinethat base station X, base station Y and base station Z are configured tocommunicate within the target area, but base station W may be configuredto communicate in some other region outside of the target area. Thebroadcast center may be configured to determine the base stations thatare configured to communicate within the target area in various manners.In one embodiment, however, the broadcast center includes or is able toaccess information that defines the geographic region in which each basestation is configured to communicate such that the broadcast center,such as the processing circuitry, the processor or the like, isthereafter able to determine those base stations having broadcastregions that overlap with the target area.

The MTC server 16 may provide a broadcast center 18 with geographicaltarget area messages 200 for each of a plurality of different MTCdevices including each of the MTC devices with which the MTC server maywish to subsequently communicate such as to request performance of aparticular action. The MTC server need not provide geographical targetarea messages to configure the broadcast center with respect to each ofthe MTC devices at the same time, but may do so over the course of time.In any event, however, the MTC server generally provides thegeographical target area message to the broadcast center prior toattempting to direct a message to the respective MTC device with anintent to cause the MTC device to perform a particular action.

Once the MTC server 16 has appropriately configured the broadcast center18 via the geographical target area messages 200, the MTC server maycause a trigger information message 300 to be provided to the broadcastcenter, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in block 42 of FIG. 3, the MTCserver may include means, such as the processing circuitry 32, theprocessor 34, the device interface 38 or the like, for causing thetrigger information message to be provided by the broadcast center. Thetrigger information message may include a first device identity, anabbreviated device identity and a requested action. The abbreviateddevice identity is shorter than the first device identity, such as beingcomprised of fewer bits than the first device identity. While the firstdevice identity may uniquely identify the respective MTC device relativeto all other MTC devices, such as all other MTC devices supported by thenetwork 14, the abbreviated device identity uniquely identifies therespective MTC device within the target area in one embodiment or withinthe target area and a neighboring region about the target area inanother embodiment. However, the abbreviated device identity need notuniquely identify the MTC device relative to all other MTC devices, suchas all other MTC devices supported by the network outside of the targetarea or outside of the target area and a surrounding neighboring area.Thus, two or more MTC devices that have different first deviceidentities may have the same abbreviated device identity so long as theMTC devices are in different target areas or are otherwise sufficientlyspaced apart.

As shown in block 54 of FIG. 4, the broadcast center 18 correspondinglyincludes means, such as the processing circuitry 32, the processor 34,the device interface 38 or the like, for receiving a trigger informationmessage 300 having the first device identity, the abbreviated deviceidentity and the requested action from the MTC server 16. Based upon thefull device identity of the trigger information message, the broadcastcenter may include means, such as the processing circuitry, theprocessor or the like, for determining the target area and the wake upinformation, such as wake up times and the wake up window, associatedwith the MTC device having the first device identity. See block 56.Moreover, based upon the target area, the broadcast center may includemeans, such as the processing circuitry, the processor, or the like, fordetermining the base station(s) 22 that communicate within the targetarea. See block 58. As the MTC device may be uniquely identified withinthe target area by the abbreviated device identity, the broadcast centermay also include means, such as the processing circuitry, the processor,or the like, for removing the first device identity. See block 58.

As shown in block 62 of FIG. 4 and in FIG. 1, the broadcast center 18may include means, such as the processing circuitry 32, the processor34, the device interface 38 or the like, for causing a triggeringmessage 400 to be broadcast within the target area in accordance withthe wake up information. In this regard, the broadcast center may causethe triggering message to be transmitted to the base stations 22 thatwere previously determined to communicate within the target area, suchas base stations X, Y and Z, but not base stations outside of the targetarea, such as base station W. The triggering message transmitted by thebroadcast center to the base stations within the target area may, inturn, direct the base stations to broadcast the triggering message. Asnoted above, the broadcast center is configured to cause the triggeringmessage to be broadcast in accordance with the wake up informationassociated with the respective MTC device, such as during a time periodat which the respective MTC device is scheduled to be receivingbroadcast messages. For example, the broadcast center may be configuredto cause the triggering message to be broadcast within a wake up windowfollowing a predefined wake up time associated with the respective MTCdevice. The triggering message may be repeated within the wake upwindow, in order to increase the probability of correct reception of themessage in the MTC device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the triggering message 400 that is caused to bebroadcast by the broadcast center 18 may include the abbreviated deviceidentity and the requested action. However, the triggering messagegenerally does not include the first device identity which may have beenremoved by the broadcast center as described above. As such, thetriggering message that is broadcast by the broadcast center and, inturn, the base stations 22 within the target area may be smaller than ifit had included the first device identity. Thus, the composition of thetriggering message may serve to reduce the signaling load upon thenetwork 14, while still uniquely identifying the respective MTC devicewithin the target area.

In order to permit the MTC device to authenticate the triggering message400 without initiating a bidirectional network connection, such as forhandshaking or the like, the geographical target area message 200 thatis generated by the MTC server 16 and caused to be provided to thebroadcast center 18 may also include an authentication field, as shownin FIG. 1. The authentication field may be generated in any number ofdifferent manners. For example, both the MTC server and the MTC devicemay know one or more predefined keys and a number that changes in apredefined manner, such as in an incremental manner, and which maydefine, for example, the number of the message. As such, the MTC server,such as the processing circuitry 34, the processor 32 or the like, mayimplement a one-way function that receives the trigger informationmessage 300, albeit without the authentication field, one or morepredefined keys and the number. The MTC server, such as the processingcircuitry, the processor or the like, may generate a messageauthentication code as an output of the one-way function and the messageauthentication code may be appended to the trigger information messageas the authentication field. The trigger information message includingthe authentication field may then be provided to the broadcast centerwhich, in turn, causes the base stations 22 within the target area tobroadcast the triggering message including the same authenticationfield. Typically, neither the broadcast center nor the base stationsendeavors to authenticate the trigger information message so that thetriggering and security mechanisms included therein are transparent tothe network. Additionally, the base stations need not be aware of theMTC devices such that embodiments of the present invention are backwardscompatible.

Upon receipt of triggering message 400, the MTC device, as describedbelow, may implement the same authentication process, such as by meansof a one-way function implemented by its processing circuitry, theprocessor or the like, in order to authenticate the triggering message.In this regard, the MTC device may provide the triggering message,albeit without the authentication field, the one or more keys and thenumber to the one-way function which, in turn, produces a messageauthentication code. If the message authentication code generated by theMTC device matches the message authentication code included in theauthentication field of the triggering message, the triggering messagemay be authenticated. Alternatively, if the message authentication codegenerated by the MTC device differs from that included in theauthentication field of the triggering message, the message may berejected.

The MTC device, such as an MTC gateway 12, may be configured in variousmanners, but, in one embodiment, may be embodied as or otherwise includean apparatus 70 as generically represented by the block diagram of FIG.5. While the apparatus may be employed, for example, by an MTC device,such as an actuator, a display, a memory device or other deviceconfigured for MTC, it should be noted that the components, devices orelements described below may not be mandatory and thus some may beamended in certain embodiments. Additionally, some embodiments mayinclude further or different components, devices or elements beyondthose shown and described herein.

As shown in FIG. 5, the apparatus 70 may include or otherwise be incommunication with processing circuitry 72 that is configurable toperform actions in accordance with example embodiments of the MTC devicedescribed herein. The processing circuitry may be configured to performdata processing, application execution and/or other processing andmanagement services according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention. In some embodiments, the apparatus or the processingcircuitry may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, theapparatus or the processing circuitry may comprise one or more physicalpackages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and/or wires on astructural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly mayprovide physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation ofelectrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. Theapparatus or the processing circuitry may therefore, in some cases, beconfigured to implement an embodiment of the present invention on asingle chip or as a single “system on a chip.” As such, in some cases, achip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or moreoperations for providing the functionalities described herein.

In an example embodiment, the processing circuitry 72 may include aprocessor 74 and memory 76 that may be in communication with orotherwise control a device interface 78 and, in some cases, a userinterface 80. As such, the processing circuitry may be embodied as acircuit chip (e.g., an integrated circuit chip) configured (e.g., withhardware, software or a combination of hardware and software) to performoperations described herein. However, in some embodiments taken in thecontext of an MTC device, the processing circuitry may be embodied as aportion of MTC device itself.

The user interface 80 (if implemented) may be in communication with theprocessing circuitry 72 to receive an indication of a user input at theuser interface and/or to provide an audible, visual, mechanical or otheroutput to the user. The device interface 78 may include one or moreinterface mechanisms for enabling communication with other devices, suchas other MTC devices, via MTC. In instances in which the MTC device isan MTC gateway 12, the device interface may also include one or moreinterface mechanisms for enabling communication with the network 14,such as via the base stations 22. In some cases, the device interfacemay be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in eitherhardware, or a combination of hardware and software that is configuredto receive and/or transmit data from/to the network 14 and/or any otherdevice or module, such as other MTC devices, in communication with theprocessing circuitry 72. In this regard, the device interface mayinclude, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supportinghardware and/or software for enabling communications with a wirelesscommunication network and/or a communication modem or otherhardware/software for supporting communication via cable, digitalsubscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet or othermethods.

In an example embodiment, the memory 76 may include one or morenon-transitory memory devices such as, for example, volatile and/ornon-volatile memory that may be either fixed or removable. The memorymay be configured to store information, data, applications, instructionsor the like for enabling the apparatus 70 to carry out various functionsin accordance with example embodiments of the present invention. Forexample, the memory could be configured to buffer input data forprocessing by the processor 74. Additionally or alternatively, thememory could be configured to store instructions for execution by theprocessor. As yet another alternative, the memory may include one of aplurality of databases that may store a variety of files, contents ordata sets. Among the contents of the memory, applications may be storedfor execution by the processor in order to carry out the functionalityassociated with each respective application. In some cases, the memorymay be in communication with the processor via a bus for passinginformation among components of the apparatus.

The processor 74 may be embodied in a number of different ways. Forexample, the processor may be embodied as various processing means suchas one or more of a microprocessor or other processing element, acoprocessor, a controller or various other computing or processingdevices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC(application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmablegate array), or the like. In an example embodiment, the processor may beconfigured to execute instructions stored in the memory 76 or otherwiseaccessible to the processor. As such, whether configured by hardware orby a combination of hardware and software, the processor may representan entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry—in the form ofprocessing circuitry 72) capable of performing operations according toembodiments of the present invention while configured accordingly. Thus,for example, when the processor is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or thelike, the processor may be specifically configured hardware forconducting the operations described herein. Alternatively, as anotherexample, when the processor is embodied as an executor of softwareinstructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processorto perform the operations described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the operations of an MTC device, such as an MTCgateway 12, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,are shown. As described above, the MTC device may be configured to beoffline, such as in an offline mode or a detached mode, in instances inwhich the MTC device is not actively communicating via the network 14.In this offline mode, the MTC device may include means, such as theprocessing circuitry 72, the processor 74, the device interface 78 orthe like, for causing the device to wake up and to monitor the networkfor messages directed to the MTC gateway or to other capillary networkdevices 20 within the capillary network 10 supported by the MTC gateway.See block 90 of FIG. 6. As described above, the MTC device may beconfigured to wake up in accordance with a predefined schedule, such asat a predefined time, and to remain awake and to monitor messagesbroadcast via the network for a predefined period of time, that is,during a predefined wake up window of time. As shown in block 92 of FIG.6, the MTC device may include means, such as the device interface, theprocessing circuitry, the processor or the like, for receiving abroadcasted triggering message 400, such as from any one of the basestations 22 that are configured to communicate within the target area ofthe capillary network. The MTC device may also include means, such asthe processing circuitry, the processor, the device interface or thelike, for determining whether the triggering message identifies the MTCgateway or another device within the capillary network supported by theMTC gateway. See block 94. For example, the triggering message mayinclude an abbreviated device identity which uniquely identifies an MTCdevice within the target area. As such, the MTC gateway, such as theprocessing circuitry, the processor, the device interface or the like,may determine if the abbreviated device identity corresponds to that ofthe MTC gateway or any of the capillary network devices of the capillarynetwork supported by the MTC gateway. For example, the MTC gateway, suchas the memory 76 of the MTC gateway, may include a listing of theabbreviated device identities of the MTC gateway and the associatedcapillary network devices that is reviewed for purposes of comparisonupon receipt of a triggering message.

In an instance in which the triggering message 400 does not identify theMTC gateway 12 or another capillary network device 20 associated withthe MTC gateway, such as in an instance in which the abbreviated deviceidentity of the triggering message does not match the abbreviated deviceidentity of the MTC gateway or any of the associated capillary networkdevices, the MTC gateway may discard or ignores the triggering messagesince the triggering message is intended for another unrelated MTCdevice. See block 96 of FIG. 6. However, in an instance in which the MTCdevice does determine that the triggering message identifies either theMTC gateway or another capillary network device within the capillarynetwork 10 supported by the MTC gateway, the MTC gateway is configuredto take further action. In this regard, in an instance in which thetriggering message identifies the MTC gateway itself, such as by meansof including the abbreviated device identity of the MTC gateway, the MTCgateway may include means, such as the processing circuitry 72, theprocessor 70 or the like, for determining the action requested by thetriggering message and then causing the action to be performed. Seeblocks 96 and 98. The triggering message may request the performance ofa number of different actions including the establishment of a packettransfer connection, the performance of an offline data transfer, suchas a relatively small offline data transfer, the transition to an onlinemode, such as by initially attaching to the network 14 and thenremaining in an ordinary idle mode, or performing an action by or withinthe MTC device. By way of example, an action performed by or within theMTC device may include turning on or off a particular actuator, writinggiven control data to a device, such as the memory 76 of the MTC devicewith the data being included, for example, within the triggeringmessage, or displaying data, such as data included within the triggeringmessage.

Alternatively, in an instance in which the triggering message 400identifies another device 20 within the capillary network 10 supportedby the MTC gateway 12, the MTC gateway may include means, such as theprocessing circuitry 72, the processor 74, the device interface 78 orthe like, for causing at least a portion of the triggering message to beprovided to the capillary network device identified by the abbreviateddevice identity, such as by MTC. In conjunction with causing at least aportion of the triggering message to be provided to another capillarynetwork device, such as in an instance in which the abbreviated deviceidentity identifies another capillary network device as the intendedrecipient, the MTC gateway may include means, such as the processingcircuitry, the processor, the device interface or the like, forperforming protocol and address mapping from the protocols and addressesemployed in the network communications to protocols and addresses of thecapillary network device which supports MTC. The capillary networkdevice that receives the triggering message or a portion thereof fromthe MTC gateway may then process the received portion of the triggeringmessage and, in one embodiment, perform the requested action, such asdescribed above in conjunction with the MTC gateway.

As described above and as shown in FIG. 1, the triggering message 400may also include an authentication field. As such, the MTC device, suchas the MTC gateway 12, may include, means, such as the processingcircuitry 72, the processor 74 or the like, for authenticating thetriggering message. See block 93 of FIG. 6. As described above, the MTCdevice, such as the processing circuitry, the processor or the like, maygenerate a message authentication code based upon the triggeringmessage, albeit without the authentication field, and may then comparethe message authentication code to the content of the authenticationfield in order to authenticate or reject the triggering message. Assuch, the MTC gateway of this embodiment may only perform the actionrequested by the triggering message or forward at least a portion of thetriggering message to another capillary network device 20 in an instancein which the triggering message has been authenticated. By including anauthentication code within the triggering message, the MTC gateway neednot establish bidirectional communications with the network 14, therebyconserving network resources and, in one embodiment, permitting the MTCgateway to include a receiver, but not a transmitter, therebysimplifying the design of the MTC gateway and potentially reducing itscost.

While described above in conjunction with the receipt of a triggeringmessage 400 by one MTC gateway 12, a triggering message may be receivedand potentially acted upon by a plurality of MTC gateways in anembodiment in which a capillary network 10 includes the plurality of MTCgateways. For example, a capillary network may include first and secondMTC gateways. In response to a triggering message directed to an MTCdevice 20 within the capillary network, the first and second MTCgateways may each recognize the abbreviated device identity of the MTCdevice within the capillary network and one or both of the MTC gatewaysmay provide the message to the MTC device, such as followingauthentication. Additionally, in response to a triggering messagedirected to the first MTC gateway, the first and second MTC gateways mayeach recognize the abbreviated device identity of the first MTC gateway.However, the second MTC gateway generally does not provide thetriggering message to the first MTC gateway since the first MTC gatewaywould have also received the triggering message. However, in an instancein which the triggering message is not received by the first MTCgateway, such as due to a temporary failure in the link between thenetwork 14 and the first MTC gateway, the first MTC gateway may advisethe second MTC gateway of the network service interruption and thesecond MTC gateway may, in turn, provided the triggering message to thefirst MTC gateway.

In this regard, FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 are flowcharts of a system, method andprogram product according to example embodiments of the invention takenfrom the perspective of the MTC gateway 16, the broadcast device 18 andan MTC device, such as an MTC gateway 12, respectively. It will beunderstood that each block of the flowchart, and combinations of blocksin the flowchart, may be implemented by various means, such as hardware,firmware, processor, circuitry and/or other device associated withexecution of software including one or more computer programinstructions. For example, one or more of the procedures described abovemay be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, thecomputer program instructions which embody the procedures describedabove may be stored by a memory device of an apparatus employing anembodiment of the present invention and executed by a processor in theapparatus. As will be appreciated, any such computer programinstructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmableapparatus (e.g., hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resultingcomputer or other programmable apparatus provides for implementation ofthe functions specified in the flowchart block(s). These computerprogram instructions may also be stored in a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage memory that may direct a computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that theinstructions stored in the computer-readable storage memory produce anarticle of manufacture, the execution of which implements the functionspecified in the flowchart block(s). The computer program instructionsmay also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus tocause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process suchthat the instructions which execute on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block(s).

Accordingly, blocks of the flowchart support combinations of means forperforming the specified functions and combinations of operations forperforming the specified functions. It will also be understood that oneor more blocks of the flowchart, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computersystems which perform the specified

By configuring the MTC gateway 12 to recognize not only the abbreviateddevice identity associated within the MTC gateway, but also theabbreviated device identities of each of the MTC devices 20 within thecapillary network 10 supported by the MTC gateway and by permitting thebroadcast center 18 and, in turn, the base stations 22 within the targetarea to broadcast the triggering messages 400 to the MTC devices, theMTC devices may change roles, such as by changing from an MTC gateway toan capillary network device, by changing from a capillary network deviceto an MTC gateway, or by changing from either an MTC gateway or acapillary network device to a device that serves as both an MTC gatewayand a capillary network device, without requiring updating ormodification of the MTC server 12 and/or the broadcast center. The rolesof the MTC devices may change for various reasons including, forexample, traffic, congestion, relocation and temporary accesslimitations. Regardless of the reason for the change in role, the rolesof the MTC devices may change in a dynamic fashion without affecting thecommunication between the network 14 and the MTC devices, even ininstances in which the MTC devices are in an offline or detached mode.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain examplecombinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated thatdifferent combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided byalternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appendedclaims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elementsand/or functions than those explicitly described above are alsocontemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

1. An apparatus comprising processing circuitry configured at least to:receive a broadcasted triggering message; determine whether thetriggering message identifies a machine type communication (MTC) gatewayor another device within a capillary network supported by the MTCgateway; cause at least a portion of the triggering message to beprovided to a device within the capillary network in an instance inwhich the triggering message identifies the device within the capillarynetwork; and determine an action requested by the triggering message inan instance in which the triggering message identifies the MTC gateway.2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the processing circuitry isfurther configured to authenticate the triggering message based upon anauthentication field of the triggering message.
 3. An apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the processing circuitry is configured todetermine whether the triggering message identifies a MTC gateway oranother device based upon an abbreviated device identity included withinthe triggering message, and wherein the abbreviated device identityuniquely identifies the MTC gateway or another device within ageographic area in which the MTC gateway operates but not outside of thegeographic area.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein theprocessing circuitry is configured to cause at least a portion of thetriggering message to be provided to a device within the capillarynetwork by performing protocol and address mapping to protocols andaddresses of the capillary network.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 1wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: determinewhether an indication of a failure to receive is received from anotherMTC gateway in an instance in which the triggering message identifiesthe another MTC gateway; and cause at least a portion of the triggeringmessage to be provided to the another MTC gateway in an instance inwhich the indication of a failure to receive is determined to have beenreceived.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the processingcircuitry is further configured to direct a receiver to wake up inaccordance with a predefined schedule in order to receive thebroadcasted triggering message.
 7. A method comprising: receiving abroadcasted triggering message; determining, with processing circuitry,whether the triggering message identifies a machine type communication(MTC) gateway or another device within a capillary network supported bythe MTC gateway; causing at least a portion of the triggering message tobe provided to a device within the capillary network in an instance inwhich the triggering message identifies the device within the capillarynetwork; and determining an action requested by the triggering messagein an instance in which the triggering message identifies the MTCgateway.
 8. A method according to claim 7 further comprisingauthenticating the triggering message based upon an authentication fieldof the triggering message.
 9. A method according to claim 7 whereindetermining whether the triggering message identifies a MTC gateway oranother device comprises determining whether the triggering messageidentifies a MTC gateway or another device based upon an abbreviateddevice identity included within the triggering message, and wherein theabbreviated device identity uniquely identifies the MTC gateway oranother device within a geographic area in which the MTC gatewayoperates but not outside of the geographic area.
 10. A method accordingto claim 7 wherein causing at least a portion of the triggering messageto be provided to a device within the capillary network comprisesperforming protocol and address mapping to protocols and addresses ofthe capillary network.
 11. A method according to claim 7 furthercomprising: determining whether an indication of a failure to receive isreceived from another MTC gateway in an instance in which the triggeringmessage identifies the another MTC gateway; and causing at least aportion of the triggering message to be provided to the another MTCgateway in an instance in which the indication of a failure to receiveis determined to have been received.
 12. A method according to claim 7further comprising directing a receiver to wake up in accordance with apredefined schedule in order to receive the broadcasted triggeringmessage.
 13. An apparatus comprising processing circuitry configured atleast to: receive a geographical target area message providing a firstdevice identity, a target area and wake up information, wherein thetarget area corresponds to respective locations of each machine typecommunication (MTC) gateway that supports a respective capillarynetwork; subsequently receive a trigger information message having thefirst device identity, an abbreviated device identity that is shorterthan the first device identity and a requested action; and cause atriggering message to be broadcast within the target area in accordancewith the wake up information, wherein the triggering message includesthe abbreviated device identity and the requested action.
 14. Anapparatus according to claim 13 wherein the processing circuitry isfurther configured to determine one or more base stations thatcommunicate within the target area, and wherein the processing circuitryis configured to cause the triggering message to be broadcast by causingthe one or more base stations to broadcast the triggering message withinthe target area.
 15. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein theprocessing circuitry is further configured to remove the first deviceidentity from the trigger information message prior to causing thetrigger message to be broadcast without the first device identity. 16.An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the processing circuitry isconfigured to receive the trigger information message by receiving thetrigger information message that also has an authentication field, andwherein the processing circuitry is configured to cause the triggeringmessage to be broadcast by causing the triggering message to bebroadcast that also includes the authentication field.
 17. An apparatusaccording to claim 13 wherein the first device identity and theabbreviated device identity are configured to identify any one of a MTCgateway or another device within a capillary network supported by theMTC gateway.
 18. An apparatus comprising processing circuitry configuredat least to: cause a geographical target area message to be providedthat includes a first device identity, a target area and wake upinformation, wherein the target area corresponds to respective locationsof each machine type communication (MTC) gateway that supports arespective capillary network; and subsequently cause a triggerinformation message to be provided that includes the first deviceidentity, an abbreviated device identity that is shorter than the firstdevice identity and a requested action.
 19. An apparatus according toclaim 18 wherein the processing circuitry is configured to cause thetrigger information message to be provided by causing the triggerinformation message to be provided that also includes an authenticationfield.
 20. An apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the first deviceidentity and the abbreviated device identity are configured to identifyany one of a MTC gateway or another device within a capillary networksupported by the MTC gateway.